1989 Episode Discussion

[Ryan]

Isn't that what TV programmes are supposed to do, raise questions like whether it's acceptable for men to bash or rape women, or gays be stoned?

Not to often though, nothing worse than TV programmes that preach.

[ryno_091]

i believie that alf dosnt hit morag becaue shes hes family and not because of her gender

[beau_t]

Isn't that what TV programmes are supposed to do, raise questions like whether it's acceptable for men to bash or rape women, or gays be stoned?

Good point. Except, there has been no hint whatsoever of Alf hitting, or wanting to hit Morag. Nor has there been (in any recent episodes) any particular reason why he would. Celia, Roo, or Bobby yes. But Alf, no. It was a question raised soley for the point of a particular poster's obsession with "sexism" and in fact has nothing whatsoever to do with the episodes we are discussing. If we'd seen Alf almost hit Morag in a recent episode then I'd agree that it was raising such a question.

I might as well say I think all Scottish people should die. This is based on the Stewart family's Scottish background and since Morag isn't a very nice person, I suggest all Scottish people be raped, stoned and then hanged. And also for inflicting redheads on the world. I don't like them very much anyway and her inclusion in the show is simply raising the question of whether they should be killed horribly, and is ample opportunity for me to bring my otherwise unacceptable views into discussion.

[Old H&A Fan]

Isn't that what TV programmes are supposed to do, raise questions like whether it's acceptable for men to bash or rape women, or gays be stoned?

Not to often though, nothing worse than TV programmes that preach.

It's still preaching isn't it?

In today's episode, ol' Bennett was fussing over the length of Roo's dress on the grounds of "morality". Alf was agreeing with Vera on this. What's so bad about dress length, all you see is more leg?

[Skylover]

Isn't that what TV programmes are supposed to do, raise questions like whether it's acceptable for men to bash or rape women, or gays be stoned?

Not to often though, nothing worse than TV programmes that preach.

It's still preaching isn't it?

In today's episode, ol' Bennett was fussing over the length of Roo's dress on the grounds of "morality". Alf was agreeing with Vera on this. What's so bad about dress length, all you see is more leg?

It's not fair that the male viewers get legs shown etc. but what about the female and gay viewers? We need some male shirtlessness

[Ryan]

I have to say that the end of the recent Celia/Nigel storyline has been one of the more moving I've seen, probably in the whole show. I really like the direction they've taken Celia. She was nothing, but an interfering busybody at the start of the show, but especially in 1989, they've given her much more rounded character and you do feel that this might have been her one chance of happiness.

[Old H&A Fan]

EPISODE 318

Another interesting episode of the Dodge storyline, worth reviewing.

Dodge and Steven get Tom to drop them off on the side of a road in the bush, saying they are going camping. It's a Saturday. Dodge has other plans, which are more fun than living it rough in the bush. Steven goes along with him for the adventure. They secretly change into their good clothes and take the bus to "the city". At the bus stop Dodge and Steven are excited as it's party time! A commercial break interrupts. After the commercial break, footage of Dodge and Steven walking down a crowded street is shown. Dodge says g'day to a silent actor by the name of Susie, and asks her "how's business" (is she a mute "extra" like some actors in the background never talk on the show?). She must be a prostitute walking the streets judging by the way she is dressed, tits almost hanging out. For some reason she doesn't reply, just keeps chewing gum or whatever she is chewing.

Then Dodge and Steven are in a hotel room. Dodge tells Steven not to wear "dorky PJs" when Steven says he's gotta sleep sometime. Steven is worried about how much cash they have, as the room costs $60 a night and Tom pays them peanuts. Dodge dodges the question by changing the subject and reminding him we're here to have a good time!

A policeman recognises Dodge and tells him his good time has to be legal. Dodge tells Steven this is his home turf, where he has learnt everything he knows. (BIG SPOILER

which comes out in Episode 374) Is this the Brian Knight he wants you to see, or did the hidden character Brian Forbes from a rich background really grow up in this area or run away to this area?

Dodge bribes a bouncer to let him and Steven into what appears to be a strip joint where women strip themselves down to their bare essentials, none of which is shown in the program. Dodge thanks "Dingo" the bouncer when he and Steven come back out. Dodge gets Steven to wait back at the hotel — and get rid of those "dorky PJs" — so he can do his own thing, what appears to be finding a chick for Steven to have fun with back at the hotel. She doesn't seem to like Dodge — instead shows interest in his "hansome friend". All the chicks seem to prefer Steven and are never attracted to Dodge in the show. Anyway, she tells Steven it is OK if "he is one" (does she mean virginity or never had sex before??) and she can "change the situation" but we never find out whether they have sex.

The following day, Sunday, it is time for them to go home. Steven says he feels like a scumbag as he is still supposed to be going out with Rebecca. Steven is worried about how they are going to get home, as they are flat broke. No money left, not even for a bus fare. Dodge says it's OK, we have ways of finding transport, so at the end of the episode, Dodge breaks into a car, acting all innocent to 2 passer-bys as the loud wailing of the car alarm echoes through the streets. Steven doesn't want to go home with a police escort. Dodge tells Steven to keep his pants on. The episode ends with them taking off in the stolen car.

I noticed at least 2 hidden, coded messages in this episode:

1. The chick Dodge introduced to Steven. She tells him there is nothing to worry about if "you are one". Not once is the dreaded "V" word (virgin) mentioned.

2. Dodge says g'day to one of the silent extra actors in the episode (the one with the boobs almost hanging out) as he and Steven walk down the street. He says "Hi Susie how's business" although I think "business" is used in real life when referring to prostitution.

There was also a mistake made in how they refer to when it gets dark, as this episode was set in May 1989 wasn't it? or was that when the episode was filmed, months earlier? because it gets dark around 5 or 5.30pm at the end of May here, yet Steven told Tom to pick him and Dodge up at 7pm before it gets dark.¿?

[GameTime]

I've been away and juust realised my IQ hasn't recorded the past few days (Thurs/Fri), hope I didn't miss anything too good! So annoyed.

[ryno_091]

why has the early years been starting so early does anyone know

[codyw1]

Because they're useless. ;)